Jeff Lloyd brings up 100 season wins
Premier Brisbane jockey Jeff Lloyd has continued his great strike rate with trainer Michael Nolan, bringing up his 100th winner for the season on Upstart Pride at Eagle Farm.
Upstart Pride ($6.50) had finished 10th at his previous outing after bungling the start but was on his better behaviour on Saturday.
After being slightly slow to jump he got to the lead and held on to beat Rocky King ($21) by a half head in the Open (1000m).
It was Lloyd’s ninth winner from just 17 rides for Nolan this season.
Nolan said he was pleased when Lloyd elected to stick with Upstart Pride despite his last-start defeat.
“He is a very good judge as well as a top jockey.”
“Jeff said nothing went right for him last start. He said even though Upstart Pride finished 10th it was a good run considering the problems,” Nolan said.
He said Upstart Pride’s career would now have to be carefully managed because the handicapper would get after him.
“He has won seven races now. Funny thing he doesn’t race well on his home track at Toowoomba so a race like the Weetwood Handicap might be out,” Nolan said.
“But there are some lower grade stakes races around which would suit him.”
Lloyd said Upstart Pride had shown plenty of fight after Rocky King joined him.
Rocky King ran his best race for some time and just peaked near the line, according to apprentice Rebecca Williams.